Insect barriers for inlets and vents

ABSTRACT

A barrier device to prevent insects from entering an opening of a vent in fluid connection with an interior of a building includes a body which includes a housing. The housing includes a first end adapted to be placed in fluid connection with the vent opening and a second end. The barrier device further includes a mesh barrier positioned adjacent the second end, opposite the first end, through which fluid (gas and liquid) can pass. However, insects of a predetermined range of size cannot pass through the mesh barrier. The mesh barrier has an effective open area at least as large as an open area of the opening of the vent.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationSer. No. 62/011,772, filed Jun. 13, 2014, the disclosure of which isincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

The following information is provided to assist the reader inunderstanding technologies disclosed below and the environment in whichsuch technologies may typically be used. The terms used herein are notintended to be limited to any particular narrow interpretation unlessclearly stated otherwise in this document. References set forth hereinmay facilitate understanding of the technologies or the backgroundthereof. The disclosure of all references cited herein are incorporatedby reference.

Insect infestations can be a mere nuisance or can create healthproblems. Moreover, infestations of sufficient number of insects cancause malfunction of various types of systems or machinery. Recently,the non-indigenous halyomorpha halys, also known as the brown marmoratedstink bug, or simply the stink bug, has been causing considerableproblems in the United States. The stink bug, which is an insect in thefamily pentatomidae, is native to Asia (China, Korea, Japan and Taiwan)and was accidentally introduced into the United States. The stink bug isconsidered to be an agricultural pest.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, a barrier device to prevent insects from entering anopening of a vent in fluid connection with an interior of a buildingincludes a body which includes a housing. The housing includes a firstend adapted to be placed in fluid connection with the vent opening and asecond end. The barrier device further includes a mesh barrierpositioned adjacent the second end, opposite the first end, throughwhich fluid (gas and liquid) can pass. However, insects of apredetermined range of size cannot pass through the mesh barrier. Themesh barrier has an effective open area at least as large as an openarea of the opening of the vent. The effective open area of the meshassembly is at least 120% of the open area of the opening of the vent,at least 150% of the open area of the opening of the vent, at least 200%of the open area of the opening of the vent. Unlike currently availablevent capping or barrier devices, the barrier devices hereof do notinhibit flow of, for example, vent gas therethrough. The housing may,for example, be formed from a generally rigid material.

In another aspect, a barrier system to prevent insects from entering anoutlet of one of a plurality of vents includes a body. The body includesa generally rigid housing having a first end adapted to be placed influid connection with an outlet of a first of the plurality of vents.The first of the plurality of vents has a first configuration suitableto form a cooperative connection with the first end of the rigidhousing. The barrier system further includes a second end opposite thefirst end and a mesh barrier positioned adjacent the second end. Fluidscan pass through the mesh barrier, but insects of a predetermined rangeof size cannot pass therethrough. The barrier system also includes anadapter section having a first end adapted to be placed in connectionwith the first end of the housing and a second end adapted to be placedin connection with an outlet of a second of the plurality of vents. Thesecond of the plurality of vents has a second configuration, which isdifferent from the first configuration, and suitable to form acooperative connection with the second end of the adaptor.

In a number of embodiments, the first end of the body is adapted to forma friction fit with the outlet of the first of the plurality of ventswhich has a first outer diameter and the second end of the adaptersection is adapted to form a friction fit with the outlet of the secondof the plurality of vents which has a second outer diameter, which isdifferent from the first diameter. In a number of embodiments, the firstend of the body is adapted to form a friction fit with the outlet of thefirst of the plurality of vents which has a first inner diameter of 2inches and the second end of the adapter section is adapted to form afriction fit with the outlet of the second of the plurality of ventswhich has an inner diameter of a 2-inches female coupler, elbow oradapter. The body may, for example, be formed from PVC, and the adaptersection may, for example, be formed from PVC. In a number ofembodiments, no tools are required to place the body in fluid connectionwith the outlet of any one of the plurality of vents.

In another aspect, a barrier device to prevent insects from entering anopening of a vent in fluid connection with an interior of a building,includes a body having a rigid, generally cylindrical housing. Thehousing has a first end adapted to be placed in fluid connection withthe vent opening and a second end, opposite the first end. The barrierdevice further includes a mesh barrier positioned adjacent the secondend, opposite the first end, through which fluid can pass, but insectsof a predetermined range of size cannot pass. The housing furtherincludes a plurality of passages extending radially through the housingthrough which liquid can pass via gravity flow to exit the housing. Anumber of the plurality of passages are positioned at differentpositions around the circumference of the housing so that the housingcan be rotated about an axis of the housing over a range of positionswhen the axis of the housing is oriented generally horizontally and atleast one of the plurality of passages is generally aligned theorientation of gravity. In that regard, in a number of embodiment, atleast one of the plurality of passages may, for example, have an openingthat is positioned within 10 degrees or even 5 degrees of theorientation of gravity over the range of positions. In a number ofembodiments, the range of positions is between 30 and 360 degrees (forexample, 30, 45, 90, 180, 270 or even 360 degrees). In that regard, theplurality of passages may be positioned around the circumference of thehousing so that the housing can be rotate about the axis of the housingto any position (that is, 360 degrees about the axis) when the axis ofthe housing is oriented generally horizontally and at least one of theplurality of passages is generally aligned the orientation of gravity.

In a number of embodiments, the barrier device includes a mesh assemblyincluding at least one ring member and the mesh barrier in operativeconnection with the ring member. An outer wall of the ring member formsa connection with the inner wall of the housing. The ring memberincludes a plurality of passage formed in the outer wall thereof viawhich liquid can flow to exit the housing. A number of the plurality ofpassages formed in the outer wall of the ring member are positioned atdifferent positions around the circumference of the ring member so thatthe ring member can be rotated about an axis of the ring member over arange of positions when the axis of the ring member is orientedgenerally horizontally and at least one of the plurality of passages isgenerally aligned with the orientation of gravity (as described abovefor the plurality of passages from in the housing).

In another aspect, a barrier device to prevent insects from entering anopening of a vent in fluid connection with an interior of a buildingincludes a body including a housing. The housing includes a first endadapted to be placed in fluid connection with the vent opening and asecond end, opposite the first end. The barrier device further includesa mesh assembly positioned adjacent the second end through which fluidcan pass, but insects of a predetermined range of size cannot pass. Themesh assembly includes a mesh barrier and a first ring rearward of themesh barrier. The first ring includes an outer wall which forms afriction fit connection with an inner wall of the housing. The meshassembly further includes a second ring forward of the mesh barrierwhich includes an outer wall which forms a friction fit with an innerwall of the housing. The barrier device further includes at least oneremovable connector which cooperates with the housing and the meshassembly to releasably attached the mesh assembly to the housing. The atleast one removable connector may, for example, be a fastener such as ascrew which passes through the housing to form a connection with thefirst ring.

In a further aspect, a barrier device to prevent insects from enteringan opening of a vent in fluid connection with an interior of a buildingincludes a body including a housing having a first end adapted to beplaced in fluid connection with the vent opening and a second end,opposite the first end. The barrier device further includes a meshbarrier positioned adjacent the second end through which fluid can pass,but insects of a predetermined range of size cannot pass. The meshbarrier includes a mesh having an insect repellent or insect killerthereon.

The present devices, systems, and methods, along with the attributes andattendant advantages thereof, will best be appreciated and understood inview of the following detailed description taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A illustrates an embodiment of a device hereof attached to a ventwherein the plane of the outlet of vent is oriented generallyhorizontally and the axis of the device is oriented generallyvertically.

FIG. 1B illustrates the device of FIG. 1A attached to a vent wherein theplane of the outlet of vent is oriented generally vertically and theaxis of the device is oriented generally horizontally.

FIG. 1C illustrates a side, cutaway view of the device of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2 illustrates a rear perspective view of the device of FIG. 1A withthe adapter section removed from attachment with the body.

FIG. 3A illustrates a side perspective view of the device of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 3B illustrates a front view of the device of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 4 illustrates a front perspective view of the device of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 5A illustrates a side perspective view of the device of FIG. 1Awith an adapter thereof disconnected from the remainder of the device.

FIG. 5B illustrates connective rings and connectors used in the deviceof FIG. 1A.

FIG. 5C illustrates a mesh or screen used in the device of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 6A illustrates a perspective view an embodiment of a a meshassembly hereof which is formed as an integral assembly which isremovable from the device as an integral unit.

FIG. 6B illustrates perspective view of a device including the integralmesh assembly of FIG. 6A in a disassembled state.

FIG. 6C illustrates a perspective view of the device of FIG. 6B in anassembled state.

FIG. 7A illustrates components of alternative embodiments of deviceshereof in a disassembled state.

FIG. 7B illustrates one embodiment of a device hereof with a mesh memberformed generally in the shape of a cylinder which is open on one endplaced over the end a body of a device hereof.

FIG. 7C illustrates the securement of the mesh member of FIG. 7B with ahose clamp to complete the assembly of the device hereof.

FIG. 7D illustrates securement of the mesh assembly of FIG. 7B with agenerally cylindrical collar that slides over the axially extendingportion of the mesh assembly and the body of the device.

FIG. 7E illustrates further securement of the device of FIG. 7D using ahose claim around the generally cylindrical collar.

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of a devicehereof in which a mesh member is held in place at the end of the bodyvia a friction fitting ring or annular member.

FIG. 9A illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of a devicehereof including an axially extending mesh member connecting the bodyand an end mesh assembly.

FIG. 9B illustrates another perspective view of the device of FIG. 9A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It will be readily understood that the components of the embodiments, asgenerally described and illustrated in the figures herein, may bearranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations inaddition to the described example embodiments. Thus, the following moredetailed description of the example embodiments, as represented in thefigures, is not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments, asclaimed, but is merely representative of example embodiments.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “anembodiment” (or the like) means that a particular feature, structure, orcharacteristic described in connection with the embodiment is includedin at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearance of the phrases “in oneembodiment” or “in an embodiment” or the like in various placesthroughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to thesame embodiment.

Furthermore, described aspects (including, for example, those set forthin the Summary), features, structures, or characteristics may becombined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In thefollowing description, numerous specific details are provided to give athorough understanding of embodiments. One skilled in the relevant artwill recognize, however, that the various embodiments can be practicedwithout one or more of the specific details, or with other methods,components, materials, et cetera. In other instances, well knownstructures, materials, or operations are not shown or described indetail to avoid obfuscation.

As used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an”,and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictatesotherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a mesh” includes a pluralityof such meshes and equivalents thereof known to those skilled in theart, and so forth, and reference to “the mesh” is a reference to one ormore such meshes and equivalents thereof known to those skilled in theart, and so forth. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merelyintended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually toeach separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicatedherein, and each separate value as well as intermediate ranges areincorporated into the specification as if it were individually recitedherein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitableorder unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearlycontraindicated by the text.

Stink bugs and/or other insect species may, for example, enter into aheating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system of a buildingsuch as a home via air inlets, gas exhaust outlets, or vents, whichplace the HVAC system (for example, a gas furnace heating portionthereof) in fluid connection with the ambient environment. Inlets andoutlets are sometimes referred to herein collectively as vents. Othersystem including such vents are also at risk. Although such vents may bepart of a closed system such as a gas fired furnace, and thus do notprovide a pathway into the building living space (that is, external tothe gas furnace portion of the HVAC system), entrance of sufficientnumber of insects such as stink bugs into the system through such ventscan cause malfunction or even complete failure of the system.

FIGS. 1A through 5C illustrate an embodiment of a device or system 10hereof that is suitable to keep insects of a certain size, andparticularly stink bugs, out of a vent 150 of an HVAC system 100 such asa high efficiency gas furnace system. In FIG. 1A, the plane of theoutlet of vent 150 is oriented generally horizontally (and the axis A(see FIG. 1C) of device/system 10 oriented generally vertically) In FIG.1B, the plane of the outlet of vent 150 is oriented generally vertically(and the axis A of device/system 10 is oriented generally horizontally).Inlet/Outlet or vent 150 passes through an exterior wall of a building200 (for example, a house) to connect with gas furnace system 100(illustrated schematically in FIG. 1). The size of device 10 can vary,but each differently sized device performs a similar function. In anumber of embodiments, size was minimized to minimize materials used infabrication and assembly.

Vents 150 are typically formed from 2-inch (that is, having a 2-inchinside diameter) PVC piping. When installed on the PVC vents 150 (forexample, a fresh air inlet pipe and a gas exhaust pipe), devices 10create a physical barrier on the outside open ends of both vents 150.Devices 10 then help to physically block all sizes of stink bugs fromaccessing and entering into system 100.

In the fall of each year, as the outside temperatures begin to turncolder, stink bugs will enter buildings such as homes through everycrack and crevice through which they can pass. They also will enterthrough open vents such as PVC furnace vents 150. Once a few stink bugsenter, many more may follow. As described above, vents 150 are typicallyin fluid connection with a closed flow path system within a gas furnacesystem 100, and the insects will not be able to exit furnace system 100to enter the living space inside a home. However, the insects will bepresent within furnace system 100. Should enough stink bugs enter intofurnace system 100, they may, for example, clog one or more elements ofthe flow path thereof, causing damage to furnace system 100. Such damagemay require expensive repairs or replacement of furnace system 100.Device 10 may prevent such damage. Preferably, device 10 is installedwhen furnace system 100 is new. Even when devices 10 are installed onexisting or operating furnaces system, they will help keep all sizedstink bugs out of the internal flow path of the gas furnace system fromthat time of installation forward.

In a number of embodiments, an effective open area or cross-sectionalopen area of a wire meshed inlet in device 10 is at least as large orlarger than the open area or the open cross-sectional area of outlet 152of vent 150. Devices 10 are connected to fresh air in and exhaust gasout vents 150 of furnace system 100 and thereby become a part of theflow path of furnace system 100. Carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide arealso present in the exhaust of a gas furnace system 100. There should beno significant fresh air in or exhaust out flow restrictions caused byanything attached to the flow path of furnace system 100 (for obvioussafety reasons). In a number of embodiments, an effective open area of awire meshed assembly 30 of device 10 was 157% of the open area (or thecross-sectional area of the opening) of outlet 152 (see, for example,FIG. 1A) of vent 150 (or 57% larger than the open area of outlet 152).Device 10 was found to not measurably affect the normal operation offurnace system 100 after installation thereof.

In one study of a private furnace system 100, devices 10 were installedon inlet/outlet vents 150 of furnace system 100 for over 45 days withvery cold (below freezing) outside ambient temperatures for a number ofdays/nights. With device 10 installed on outlet/exhaust vent 150 nofreezing or ice inside device 10 was observed. IR Digital temperaturereadings inside the device were taken. When furnace system 100 wasoperating (or in an on state), the average measured temperature was 67°F. When furnace system 100 was not operating (or in an off state)between heating cycles, the average temperature was 36° F. Notemperature readings were taken in the case of device 10 installed onair inlet vent 150, as only fresh ambient air was passing through intoinlet vent 150. Devices 10 may thus be installed on, for example,furnace system vents year round (even with temperatures well below thefreezing point of water) without adverse effects.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1A through 5C, device or system10 includes a body 20. In the illustrated embodiment, a first orrearward end 22 of body 20 is, for example, a 2-inch female end that maybe used to connect to a commonly sized, 2-inch (inside diameter) furnacesystem male vent 150 (commonly referred to as 2-inch pipe). It isgenerally understood in the piping arts that a 2-inch female openingswill fit over any 2-inch male pipe end (for example, via a readilyreleasable friction fit). This also applies to other sizes of pipes andcouplers, elbows ,adaptors, etc. Body 10 increases to a three inchfemale opening at its second or forward end 24. Second end 24 houses amesh or screen assembly 30 which includes first or forward annularmember or ring 32 and a second or rearward annular member or ring 34. Ina number of embodiments, first ring 32 and second ring 34 were cut froma section of 3-inch PVC pipe. First ring 32 and second ring 34 have aoutside diameter that is slightly less than the inner diameter of secondend 24, which is a 3-inch female adaptor size. In a number ofembodiments, body 10 was formed monolithically from polyvinylchloride orPVC in the form of a 2″-to-3″ inch PVC adapter. First ring 32 and secondring 34 may, for example, be formed from short lengths of PVC pipingsuitable to mate with the female adaptor open end or second end 24 ofbody 20.

The 3-inch female second end 24 of body 20, which measures approximately3 and ½ inches inside diameter, allows for mesh or screen assembly 30,which measures approximately 3 and ⅜ inch outer side diameter, to fitinside as described above. The cross-sectional area of the exposedportion (which is a circle with a diameter of 3 inches) was 7.06 in². Inthat regard, the area of a circle is πr² (3.14*(1.5 in)²=7.06 in²). Thecross-sectional open area of a common 2-inch (that is 2-inch insidediameter) furnace vent 150 is 3.14 square inches (3.14*(1.0 in)² =3.14in²). In a number of embodiments, wire mesh 36, captured between firstring 32 and second ring 34, in assembly 30 had a 70% open area whichresults in an effective open area of 4.94 in² (that is, 70% of 7.06in²), which is 157% the open area of the 2-inch pipe. In a number ofembodiments, the effective open area of assembly 30 is at least 100%, atleast 120%, at least 140% or at least 150% of the open area of vent 150to which it is to be attached (via device 10). In a number ofembodiments, the effective open area of assembly 30 (that is, the openarea thereof as reduced by the projected area of mesh 36) is greaterthan the open area of vent 150. For example, the effective open area ofassembly 30 may be at least 120%, at least 140% or even at least 150% ofthe open area of vent 150. As described above, device 10 should not poseany substantial flow restriction. Providing for an effective open areaof assembly 30 that is greater than the open outlet area (that is, thecross-sectional area of the outlet opening) of vent 150 ensures thatthere will be no flow restriction even in the case that there is apartial blockage of assembly 30.

Device 10 may readily be manufactured or adapted to universal fitvirtually any type and/or size of vent 150 (for example, varying in sizefrom 2-6 inches or others sized vents). Device 10 may, for example,easily connect to, for example, any standard 2-inch male PVC pipe vent150 or any other 2-inch female coupler, elbow or other 2-inch femalevent 150. In that regard, an intermediate or adapter section 40 may beprovided as part of device or system 10. Adapter section 40 includes afirst or forward end 42 that mates (that is, forms a cooperating fluidconnection) with first end 22 of body 20 (for example, via a readilyreleasable friction fit) and a second end 44 that mates with andconnects to the outlet end of vent 150. In the illustrated embodiment,adapter section 40 is a length of 2-inch PVC pipe so that second end 44mates (for example, via a readily releasable friction fit) with any2-inch female coupling, elbow or other standard 2-inch female vent 150(for example, including a length of PVC piping) having an outlet with anapproximately 2-inch inner diameter (also commonly used in venting). Asclear to one skilled in the art, second end 44 may be configured (forexample, shaped and/or dimensioned) to form a cooperating fit with manydifferent types of outlets of vents 150. In the illustrated embodimentas described above, second end 44 will mate with any standard 2-inchfemale vent 150. Should vent 150 be a 2-inch male PVC pipe, one canremove adapter section 40 from body 20 and mate the 2-inch female firstend 22 of body 20 with the 2-inch male vent 150.

In a number of embodiments, device 10 connects to vents 150 withoutusing tools. In that regard, such vents are typically formed using, forexample, PVC piping of various diameters as described above. Formingdevice or system 20 such that each of first end 22 of body 20, first end42 of adapter section 40, and second end 44 of adapter section 40, forma friction fit with, for example, PVC piping, enables removableattachment of device 20 (with or without the use of adapter section 40)to vents 150 without the use of tools. In that regard, a slightpushing/forward and twisting hand motion will install device 10 on suchvents 150. Devices 10 can easily and readily be removed using a slightpulling/rearward and twisting hand motion. Thus, device 10 can thus beinstalled and removed using hands only, and without the use of tools.

As used herein, “forward” and similar terms refer to a direction towardthe outlet opening of vent 150, and “rearward” and similar terms referto a direction away from the outlet opening of vent 150 (represented byarrows F and R, respectively, in FIGS. 1A and 1B). The term “axial” or“longitudinal” and similar terms refers to a forward or rearwarddirection generally parallel to an axis A (see, FIG. 1C) about whichdevice 10 is formed (although not necessarily symmetrically thereabout).The terms “radial” or “latitudinal” and similar terms refers to adirection generally perpendicular to axis A.

Device 10 will help to keep stink bugs, other similarly sized insects,small birds, small rodents, including mice and even snakes out of system100 when installed on the open outside ends of the fresh air intake andgas exhaust outlet vents 150. As most gas furnaces systems have each ofan inlet vent 150 and an outlet vent 150 to the outside atmosphere, twodevices 10 will be installed to protect system 100 in the case thatsystem 100 is a gas furnace system. Although examples of device 10 arediscussed herein for use in connection with vents 150 of a furnacesystem 100, devices 10 can be used in connection with any type ofinlets, outlets or vents.

In a number of embodiments, body 20 of device 10 has a number ofgenerally radially extending drain holes or passages 26 a in a housingor outer wall 26 thereof. During installation, holes 26 a may, forexample, be oriented downward (toward the ground or in the direction ofgravity; see FIGS. 1B and 1C) so that gravity will assist in drainage.In that regard, drain holes 26 a provide an exit pathway to allowcondensed moisture droplets from warm exhaust vapor formed inside body20 of device 10 and on mesh assembly 30 to drain out of device 10. In anumber of embodiments, axially extending passages, holes or grooves 32 aand 34 a are also formed in first ring 32 and second ring 34,respectively, so that condensed moisture may also pass through theradially outer ring portion of mesh assembly 30. Drain holes or passages26 a, 32 a and 34 a provide an open pathway for the moisture droplets todrain out of device 10. As illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 5A, a forward rowof drain holes or passages 26 b, may be provided which are in fluidconnection with the space between first ring 32 and second ring 34 toassist in allowing moisture droplets moving down off mesh assembly 30 toexit the device 10.

On a cold winter day, one can see a warm, moist steam cloud coming outof a furnace exhaust vent 150, when furnace system 100 is operatingduring a heating cycle. When, for example, natural gas burns(combustion) the result is carbon dioxide, water, and a great deal ofenergy, plus smaller amounts of other by products of combustion. Thewater is usually evaporated during the reaction to give off steam. Asthis warm exhaust steam passes through device 10, some of it cools andcondenses on the inner surface of housing 26 of device 10 and on meshassembly 30. Drain holes or passages 26 a, 26 b, 32 a and 34 a may besized to be large enough to allow the moisture droplets to drain out ofthe device, but small enough to keep stink bugs and similarly sizedinsects from entering into device 10. In a number of embodiments, holesor passage 26 a, 32 a and 34 a had a diameter of approximately ⅛ inch orless. Larger or other sized and/or shaped drain holes may be used forthis application. Fewer or more holes or passages 26 a, 32 a and 24 athat illustrated may be provided. In a number of embodiments, holes orpassages 26 a, 32 a and 34 a extend around the entire circumference ofhousing 26, first ring 32 and/or second ring 34, respectively, toprovide for drainage regardless of orientation of device 10.

In a number of embodiments, mesh barrier assembly 30 of device 10 caneasily be accessed and removed for cleaning or replacement as needed. Asillustrated in FIGS. 6A through 6C, first ring 32 and second ring 34 maybe connected via, for example, connectors such as screws 38 so that meshbarrier assembly 30 may be removed and/or installed as an integral unitor assembly. In a number of embodiments, forward or first ring 32 was anapproximately ⅜ inch to ½ inch long (axially extending) section of3-inch inside diameter PVC pipe (suitable to form a friction fit withthe 3-inch female second end 24 of body 20), which was attached tohousing 26 via three small screws or other connectors (for example,three #6 ½″ stainless steel screws 28 a-c) which secure the first ring32 to housing 26 of body 20. In a number of embodiments, first ring 34was pushed inside body 20 first, forming a tight hand-pressed, frictionfit. Next, the wire mesh 30 was pushed inside body 20. Then, second ring32 was pushed inside body 20. Three evenly spaced holes were the drilledthrough housing/wall 26 of body 20 and into first ring 32, but not allthe way through first ring 32. Screws 28 a, 28 b and 28 c were theninstalled into the drilled holes. In general, first ring 32 and secondring 34 should form an abutting connection with the inner wall ofhousing 26 such that the insects desired to be excluded from device 10cannot pass thereby. Once connectors 28 a-c and first ring 32 areremoved, mesh or screen barrier 36 can easily be removed. In a number ofembodiments, rearward of second ring 34 was a ½ inch long (axiallyextending) section of 3-inch inside diameter PVC pipe which holds meshbarrier 36 in place within body 20. Mesh barrier assembly 30 componentsmay, for example, be also joined together using glue or contact adhesiveto effectively become an integral, permanently connected assembly. Meshassembly 30, may, for example, be installed within body 20 and thenjoined together with body 20 using a glue or adhesive.

In a number of embodiments, mesh barrier 30 was formed by cutting a 3and ⅜″ circular shaped piece of ⅛″ galvanized wire mesh. In otherembodiments, a stainless steel 8 mesh, 0.020 wire diameter, wire meshbarrier 36 was used. Mesh 30 could also be made from brass, bronze,copper, nickel, silver, aluminum or other wire mesh metals andmaterials. Mesh barrier 30 may also be formed of polymeric material (forexample, PVC) using, for example, an injection molding process. Forexample, mesh barrier 36 may be made from a nylon line in a crossingmatrix mesh assembly. For example, an annular ring similar to ring 32and mesh 36 may be formed monolithically in an injection moldingprocess. In a number of embodiments, a mesh barrier 36 having approx. ⅛in. square openings provided good performance, as it allowed the exhaustgases to pass therethrough without restriction, while also creating asuitable physical barrier to keep stink bugs and similarly sized insectsout of device 10 (and thereby out system 100). In a number ofembodiments, mesh 30 has opening no greater than ¼ inch or no greaterthan ⅛ inch. The mesh openings may be larger in size as suitable for aparticular application. The openings in the mesh may, for example, besquare, circular and/or many other shapes.

A stainless steel mesh barrier 30 or a polymeric mesh barrier 30 may,for example, be used to provide increased resistance to rust andcorrosion, particularly if device 10 is to be installed for a year roundinstallation, including the cold months when furnace system 100 will beoperating to heat building 200. A galvanized wire mesh barrier may, forexample, be used if device 10 is to be installed on a seasonal basis(for example, in the warmer months when furnace system 100 is typicallynot operating, but insects are active in the outside environment). In aseasonal cycle, devices 10 may, for example, be installed in northernclimates at the same time a homeowner installs window screens for thespring, summer and fall of the year (that is, when furnace system is notoperating or operating on a limited basis). Devices 10 may beuninstalled or removed when the window screens are removed for latefall, winter and early spring months (when furnace system 100 isoperating a significant percentage of the time and insects are notactive in the outside environment).

In a number of embodiments, mesh barrier 36 (or all of assembly 30) may,for example, be treated with an insect repellant and/or killer in, forexample, a chemical dip tank process. In such a process, mesh barrier 36(or assembly 30) may, for example, be submerged in a chemical dip tankand drip dried before being installed into body 20. Device 10 would thenoffer both a physical and a chemical barrier to stink bugs and similarlysized insects. Also or alternatively, a container or bottle 60 (see FIG.1C) of an insect repellent/killer can be provided with an installationkit 70 (which may, for example, be provided in packaging 72) for initialand/or additional treatments as needed. For example, a relatively small(for example, a 2-4 ounce) spray bottle of St Gabriel Organics Stink BugKiller available from St. Gabriel Organics of Orange, Virginia US may beprovided.

FIG. 7A through 7C illustrate two similar alternative embodiments of adevice 510 hereof. FIG. 7A illustrates components of alternativeembodiments of device 510 in a disassembled state. Similar to device110, device 510 include a body 520 and an adapter section 540 which areidentical to body 20 and adapter section 40 of device 10. Unlike device10, however, device 510 includes a mesh member or barrier 530 formedgenerally in the shape of a cylinder which is open on one end placedover the end a body of a device hereof Mesh member 530 includes agenerally axially extending portion 530 a and a generally radiallyextending portion 530 b. As, for example, illustrated in FIG. 5B, meshmember 520 is place over a forward end 524 of body 520 so that radiallyextending portion 530 b abuts forward end 524 and axially extendingportion 530 a encompasses the wall of body 520. In a first embodiment ofdevice 510, as illustrated in FIG. 7C, a retainer such as a hose clamp590 is place around axial extending portion 530 a of mesh member 520 andtightened to removably retain and secure mesh member 530 in operativeconnection with body 520. In a second embodiment, as illustrated inFIGS. 7D and 7E, a generally cylindrical collar or sleeve 550 (forexample, a 4-inch diameter section of plastic piping having a length ofapproximately 1.5 inches) is slid over the axially extending portion ofthe mesh assembly and over body 520 to secure mesh member 530. Asillustrated in FIG. 7E, an appropriately sized hose clamp 590 may beused to encompass sleeve 550 to provide additional security. Using amesh with an open area of 70%, the open area of device 520 (wherein body520 was formed from a 2 to 3 inch adapter coupler) was 214% that of a2-inch furnace vent 150.

In the embodiment of device 610 of FIG. 8, the methodology of installingand/or securing mesh barrier 636 within body 620 is somewhat differentthan in the above-described embodiments. During installation of meshbarrier 636, body 620 may, for example, be first stood upon on its firstor rearward end 622 on a solid surface. A section of screen or meshwhich forms mesh barrier 636, may, for example, be cut from a roll, assquare piece of mesh material. The section of mesh or mesh barrier 636is laid across second or forward end 624 of body 620. An annular memberor ring 632 (having an outer diameter slightly less than the innerdiameter of second end 624) is then placed over mesh barrier 636 andaligned with opening of second end 624 of body 620. Ring 632 is thenforced down into second end 624 of body 620, pushing mesh barrier 636along in front of it. Ring 632 and mesh barrier 636 may, for example, beforced into body 620 using a heavy duty rubber mallet. Excess materialof mesh 636 sticking out from the area between ring 632 and body 620 maybe trimmed.

FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate another embodiment of a device 710 hereof Inthe embodiment of device 710, an axially extending, generallycylindrical member is form from a mesh or screen material as describedabove for mesh barriers 36 and 636. Extending mesh member 728 extendsfrom a body 720 which may, for example, be similar to or identical tobodies 20, 520 and 620 described above. An adapter section, similar toor identical to adapter sections 40, 540 and 640 may be used, but is notshown in FIGS. 9A and 9B. A mesh assembly 730 may, for example, beformed in a manner similar to the incorporation of mesh 636 into device610. For example, a section 734 of a 3 inch female coupler and a section732 of 3 inch pipe can be used in mesh assembly 730. A mesh or screenmember or barrier 736 may be placed between section 732 and section 734and section 732 may be forced into section 734 to secure mesh barrier736 therebetween. In that regard, mesh member 736 becomes sandwichedbetween sections 732 and 734 as described above for mesh barrier 736.Extending mesh member 728 may, for example, be formed by rolled asection of wire or mesh screen (which can, for example, have the samemesh size as mesh barrier 736) into a generally cylindrical shape (inseveral embodiments, extending mesh member 728 was about 5 inches long).In the illustrated embodiment, extending mesh member 728 is attached tobody 720 and mesh assembly 736 using appropriately sized hose clamps790. Also, generally cylindrical collar or sleeve 750 (formed, forexample, from polymeric material such as polyvinylchloride) may be usedas described above in connection with sleeves 550. Like other deviceshereof, device 710 provides an effective open area many times largerthan the open area of the vent to which it is attached. The effectiveopen area can be readily increased through appropriate choice ofcomponents as described herein. Device 710 also provide for drainagetherefrom regardless of orientation about the axis of device 710. Aswith all devices hereof, device 710 can be formed (or adapted) to fitand attach to many differently sized vents or vent pipes (for example, 2inch, 3 inch, 4 inch, 6 inch or any other size, as needed).

In the embodiments described herein, device 10 may be readily andinexpensively formed from readily available components including, forexample, PVC piping, connectors or adapters and wire mesh. Device 10 isreadily place in removably connection with a variety of common vents 150via, for example, a removable friction fits between piping sections.Device 10 may, for example, be readily installed and removed without theuse of tool via such friction fits.

The foregoing description and accompanying drawings set forth a numberof representative embodiments at the present time. Variousmodifications, additions and alternative designs will, of course, becomeapparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing teachingswithout departing from the scope hereof, which is indicated by thefollowing claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changesand variations that fall within the meaning and range of equivalency ofthe claims are to be embraced within their scope.

What is claimed is:
 1. A barrier device to prevent insects from enteringan opening of a vent in fluid connection with an interior of a building,comprising: a body comprising a housing, the housing having a first endadapted to be placed in fluid connection with the vent opening and asecond end, and a mesh barrier positioned adjacent the second end,opposite the first end, through which fluid can pass, but insects of apredetermined range of size cannot pass, the mesh barrier having aneffective open area at least as large as an open area of the opening ofthe vent.
 2. The barrier device of claim 1 wherein the housing is formedof a generally rigid material.
 3. The barrier device of claim 2 whereinthe effective open area of the mesh barrier is at least 120% of the openarea of the opening of the vent.
 4. The barrier device of claim 2wherein the effective open area of the mesh barrier is at least 150% ofthe open area of the opening of the vent.
 5. The barrier device of claim2 wherein the effective open area of the mesh barrier is at least 200%of the open area of the opening of the vent.
 6. A barrier system toprevent insects from entering an outlet of one of a plurality of vents,comprising: a body comprising a generally rigid housing having a firstend adapted to be placed in connection with an outlet of a first of theplurality of vents which has a first configuration and a second endopposite the first end, a mesh assembly positioned adjacent the secondend through which fluid can pass, but insects of a predetermined rangeof size cannot pass, and an adapter section having a first end adaptedto be placed in connection with the first end of the housing and asecond end adapted to be placed in connection with an outlet of a secondof the plurality of vents which has a second configuration, differentfrom the first configuration.
 7. The barrier system of claim 6 whereinthe first end of the body is adapted to form a friction fit with theoutlet of the first of the plurality of vents which has a first outerdiameter and the second end of the adapter section is adapted to form afriction fit with the outlet of the second of the plurality of ventswhich has a second outer diameter, which is different from the firstdiameter.
 8. The barrier system of claim 7 wherein the first end of thebody is adapted to form a friction fit with the outlet of the first ofthe plurality of vents which has a first inner diameter of 2 inches andthe second end of the adapter section is adapted to form a friction fitwith the outlet of the second of the plurality of vents which has aninner diameter of a 2-inches female coupler, elbow or adapter.
 9. Thebarrier system of claim 6 wherein the body is formed from PVC and theadapter section is formed from PVC.
 10. The barrier system of claim 6wherein no tools are required to place the body in fluid connection withthe outlet of any one of the plurality of vents.
 11. A barrier device toprevent insects from entering an opening of a vent in fluid connectionwith an interior of a building, comprising: a body comprising a rigid,generally cylindrical housing, the housing having a first end adapted tobe placed in connection with the vent opening and a second end oppositethe first end, the barrier device further comprising a mesh barrierpositioned adjacent the second end, through which fluid can pass, butinsects of a predetermined range of size cannot pass, the housingfurther comprising a plurality of passages extending radially throughthe housing through which liquid can pass via gravity flow to exit thehousing, a number of the plurality of passages being positioned atdifferent positions around the circumference of the housing so that thehousing can be rotated about an axis of the housing over a range ofpositions when the axis of the housing is oriented generallyhorizontally and at least one of the plurality of passages is generallyaligned the orientation of gravity.
 12. The barrier device of claim 11wherein the plurality of passages are positioned around circumference ofthe housing so that the housing can be rotated about the axis of thehousing to any position when the axis of the housing is orientedgenerally horizontally and at least one of the plurality of passages isgenerally aligned the orientation of gravity.
 13. The barrier device ofclaim 11 further comprising a mesh assembly comprising at least one ringmember and the mesh barrier, which is in operative connection with thering member, an outer wall of the ring member forming a connection withthe inner wall of the housing, the ring member comprising a plurality ofpassage formed in the outer wall thereof via which liquid can flow toexit the housing, a number of the plurality of passages formed in theouter wall of the ring member being positioned at different positionsaround the circumference of the ring member so that the ring member canbe rotated about an axis of the ring member over a range of positionswhen the axis of the ring member is oriented generally horizontally andat least one of the plurality of passages is generally aligned with theorientation of gravity.
 14. A barrier device to prevent insects fromentering an opening of a vent in fluid connection with an interior of abuilding, comprising: a body comprising a housing, the housing having afirst end adapted to be placed in fluid connection with the vent openingand a second end, the barrier device further comprising a mesh assemblypositioned adjacent the second end, opposite the first end, throughwhich fluid can pass, but insects of a predetermined range of sizecannot pass, the mesh assembly comprising a mesh barrier, a first ringrearward of the mesh barrier, the first ring comprising an outer wallwhich forms a friction fit connection with an inner wall of the housing,and a second ring forward of the mesh barrier, the second ringcomprising an outer wall which forms a friction fit with an inner wallof the housing, the barrier device further comprising at least oneremovable connector which cooperates with the housing and the meshassembly to releasably attached the mesh assembly to the housing. 15.The barrier device of claim 14 wherein the at least one removableconnector is a fastener which passes through the housing to form aconnection with the first ring.
 16. A barrier device to prevent insectsfrom entering an opening of a vent in fluid connection with an interiorof a building, comprising: a body comprising a housing, the housinghaving a first end adapted to be placed in fluid connection with thevent opening and a second end, and a mesh barrier positioned adjacentthe second end, opposite the first end, through which fluid can pass,but insects of a predetermined range of size cannot pass, the meshbarrier comprising an insect repellent or insect killer thereon.